New Marching Bands and Ideas for Parade
This year's St. Patrick's Day Parade in Tullamore will feature new bands and the theme for this year will allow groups participating to showcase new ideas about the future.
Both Athlone Pipe Band and Carlow Pipe Band are expected to be performing in the Parade for the first time and the Committee are also in discussions with other new bands.
The theme this year is "The Future" and the Committee are asking all groups taking part to reflect this theme in their entry. This could be an idea about what a group plans for their future; what people think Tullamore, Offaly or Ireland will look like in the future; will someone see themselves as a future Hollywood actor or an Olympic athlete; will we be going to the moon on holidays?!! or what will Brexit mean. Only your imagination is the limit !!
Shops and businesses in the town are reminded that there will be a Window Display competition which will be judged on the Saturday before the Parade. The winner will receive a special trophy.
Dog owners are invited to walk in the Parade with their special pets and there will be a prize for The Best Dressed Dog.
The Grand Marshall for this year is John Flanagan in recognition of his major contribution to the business and social life of Tullamore and Offaly.
The assembly point for community groups is the Car Park of the Bridge Centre and groups are asked to be there by 11.00 a.m. at the latest. If a group has a large truck as part of their float then this must be parked in Cormac St. opposite the Courthouse. Business entries will assemble in Kilcruttin, opposite the Railway Station.. The route is High St., Bridge St., Colmcille St and over the Kilbeggan Bridge onto Arden Road. All groups are asked to not disband immediately after the Kilbeggan Bridge for health and safety reasons, please continue to the GAA Centre.
